Tressel has many qualities YSU wantedGarg says Tressel exhibited the qualities the University was looking for in a leader.

"I think he is a very strong individual," Garg said. "He is very charismatic. He is a great communicator. The students love him. All the employees at YSU they overwhelmingly approved to offer the position to him although that had no bearing on the board's decision."

Commitment to YSU importantTressel is a former football coach at Youngstown State. The board favored his commitment to the region.

"All the board members felt that he was the strongest candidate to lead the University at this time," Garg said. "He is committed to the University, and he is committed to the valley."

Next steps toward the presidencyGarg says legal representatives from the University will now work on finalizing Tressel's contract. That process is expected to take just a couple days.

Tressel and two other finalists visited campus this week. He will succeed Randy J. Dunn, who resigned in March to become president of Southern Illinois University.